Warriors' Kuminga 'Shocked' by Trade to Hawks

The 24-year-old forward was sent to Atlanta in a deal for Kristaps Porzingis.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Jonathan Kuminga, the Golden State Warriors' 2021 lottery pick, was reportedly "shocked" to be traded to the Atlanta Hawks. Kuminga had struggled to find consistency with the Warriors and his camp had little contact with the Hawks prior to the deal, which sent him and Buddy Hield to Atlanta in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis.

Why it matters

The trade marks a fresh start for Kuminga, who was unable to carve out a consistent role with the championship-contending Warriors. The move to Atlanta provides him with a new opportunity to develop into the player he wants to be, though the destination was unexpected for both Kuminga and his representatives.

The details

The Warriors traded Kuminga and Buddy Hield to the Hawks in exchange for Kristaps Porzingis, a move that was reportedly a surprise to Kuminga and his camp. Kuminga had struggled to find consistency with the Warriors, with the team's focus on competing for titles clashing at times with the front office's desire to develop the young forward.

  • The trade was completed on February 5, 2026.

The players

Jonathan Kuminga

A 24-year-old forward who was the Warriors' lottery pick in the 2021 NBA Draft.

Kristaps Porzingis

A veteran forward who was traded to the Warriors as part of the deal that sent Kuminga to the Hawks.

Buddy Hield

A veteran guard who was also included in the trade package that sent Kuminga to the Hawks.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“As for the Jonathan Kuminga side of last night's trade, sources say he was "shocked" to be sent to the Atlanta Hawks. The Hawks aren't a team that his camp kept contact with and Atlanta was an "out of left field" destination”

— Dalton Johnson, NBC Sports Bay Area reporter (NBC Sports Bay Area)

What’s next

The Hawks will look to integrate Kuminga into their roster and provide him with a fresh start, while the Warriors will hope that Porzingis can help bolster their championship aspirations.

The takeaway

This trade represents a pivotal moment in Kuminga's career, as he transitions from a struggling young player on a championship contender to a featured piece on a Hawks team looking to take the next step. The unexpected nature of the move highlights the unpredictability of the NBA trade landscape.